brote
/ˈbɾote/masculine
In Spanish, the English word 'bud' can be translated using several different forms. If unsure, use brote. Wiktionary also lists retoño and yema.
Meaning: newly formed leaf or flower that has not yet unfolded (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| brote | /ˈbɾote/ | masculine |
| retoño | /reˈtoɲo/ | masculine |
| yema | /ˈʝema/ | feminine |
| capullo | /kaˈpuʝo/ | masculine |
All these terms refer to a newly formed leaf or flower that has not yet unfolded.
Which one should you use?
While brote is a general term for any new growth, you can be more specific with other forms. Use capullo specifically for a flower bud that is about to bloom. Use yema when referring to the small swelling on a stem that will develop into a leaf or a branch. Finally, retoño often implies a new shoot or sprout that has grown from an existing plant, such as a sucker or a new stem.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To describe the process of a bud or sprout emerging from a plant, you can use the verb brotar.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbɾote/
Did you know?
- The word capullo can be used as a slang insult in Spain to call someone a 'jerk' or 'idiot'.
- In a kitchen, you might use the word yema not for a plant bud, but to mean the 'yolk' of an egg.
- The word yema is a doublet of the word gema, meaning 'gem' or 'jewel', as both come from the Latin word gemma.
Examples in context
- La rosa es más fresca como capullo que en flor.A rose is fresher as a bud than as a flower in bloom.This sentence is useful for comparing a rose as a capullo to a rose in bloom.Tatoeba #7918123 by fpp, translation #5111391 by AlanF_US
- Sí, volvería a Dios, que estuviera entre las rosas, que me inclinase para besarte a medida que flotas entre ellas, Mientras que en la rama más baja está un brote sin cerrar Un brote sin cerrar, para tocarte, mi reina.Yea, would to God, I were among the roses, That lean to kiss you as you float between While on the lowest branch a bud uncloses A bud uncloses, to touch you, my queen.This sentence describes a brote on a low branch of a rose bush.Tatoeba #5000960 by albrusgher, translation #915884 by Buacity10
- Gracias por tu ayuda, amigo.Thank you for your help, buddy
- Es un placer trabajar contigo, colega.It's a pleasure working with you, mate
- Oye, bro, ¿vamos al partido de fútbol juntos?Hey, bud, shall we go to the soccer match together?
- El primer brote de la planta ya salió.The plant's first bud has already emerged.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are looking at a plant in the garden.
- MaríaMira, Daniel, ¡hay un brote nuevo!Look, Daniel, there is a new bud!
- DanielEs verdad, es muy pequeño.It's true, it is very small.
- MaríaCreo que será una flor roja.I think it will be a red flower.
- DanielEl brote se ve muy saludable.The bud looks very healthy.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bud” translations and entries brote, retoño, yema, capullo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brote, capullo, retoño, yema, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
